Asian Brown Flycatcher
Muscicapa dauurica
Plain brown flycatcher with a large-eyed appearance. Note bright white eyering and unmarked throat and underparts. Appears shorter- and plainer-winged than other similar brownish flycatchers. Favors broadleaf forests; also found in more open habitats on migration and wintering grounds. Sallies from exposed perches; cocks tail and flicks wings when perched. Song comprises high buzzy trilling and whistles. Calls include dry rattling and chittering.
Identification
This species is 13 cm (5.1 in) long, including the cocked tail. It is similar in shape to the larger spotted flycatcher, but is relatively longer-tailed. The dark bill is relatively large and broad-based.The adult has grey-brown upperparts, which become greyer as the plumage ages, and whitish underparts with brown-tinged flanks. Young birds have scaly brown upperparts, head and breast.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Muscicapa dauurica
- Authority
- Pallas, 1811
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Muscicapa
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Asian brown flycatcher is a common bird found in open woodland and cultivated areas. It nests in a hole in a tree, laying four eggs which are incubated by the female.<p>The male Asian brown flycatcher sings a simple melodic song during courtship.<p>This bird is parasitised by the chewing louse Philopterus davuricae.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Brown-crowned Scimitar-Babbler
Pomatorhinus phayrei
A large and vocal babbler of montane rainforest and shrubby edges. Note warm russet brown upperparts, a white throat blending to pale buff underparts, white-bordered black mask, and bright red bill. Forages actively in the dense midstorey, sometimes in mixed species flocks, and can be difficult to see well. Occasionally descends to the ground to rummage through fallen leaves. Can be readily mistaken for the similar Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler, but note Brown-crowned’s thicker bill and pale buff rather than white chest. Often gives harsh grating or excited chattering calls, as well as soft, oriole-like notes.

Banded Ground-Cuckoo
Neomorphus radiolosus
Impressively large, roadrunner-like bird of wet foothill rainforest. It’s one of the rarest and most sought-after birds of northwestern Ecuador and western Colombia. Note large size, long tail, chestnut back, and black-and-white scaled underparts. Terrestrial; most likely to be encountered following large swarms of army ants. Sometimes snaps its bill very loudly. Song is a series of soft, very low-pitched, rising notes given at regular intervals.

Golden-chevroned Tanager
Thraupis ornata
Large blue and yellow tanager with a thinner bill than other similar species. Males are mostly blue with yellowish edges to the wing feathers and tail. Females are duller and grayer overall. Note the diagnostic yellow shoulder on both sexes. Found in the canopy of humid forests and forest edges, where it often accompanies mixed-species flocks or gathers in single species groups of up to 25 individuals.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.